Neutron activation (NA) analysis provides the life science community with capabilities not readily available with other assay technologies.  NA is known for its excellent sensitivity and elemental specificity for the simultaneous measurement of trace elements (1-7).  This offers the potential of measuring multiple isotopic tracers per assay.  Unlike optical lasers, neutrons can penetrate solid tissue and opaque-liquid samples, thereby providing an assay that is completely self-contained requiring minimal sample preparation.  Unlike other element detection methods, such as MR imaging or atomic absorption spectrophotometry, stable isotope-labeling and NA can measure multiple labels simultaneously (1,8).  Therefore, samples can be archived, re-assayed, and/or undergo additional analysis following NA.

Because only the samples-of-interest are activated, NA can significantly reduce occupational exposure to radiation and reduce the amount of low-level radioactive waste generated, e.g., gloves, protective clothing, glass and plastic laboratory supplies, and waste products from research animal housing and carcasses.  Stable isotopes do not undergo radioactive decay or cause radiokinistics (9).  Unlike optical probes, stable isotopes do not lose their fluorescence over time.  Stable isotope labeled research products have a significantly longer shelf-life compared to competing labeling methods.

Despite the many advantages of NA, this general analytical tool has not reached its full potential due to the lack of user awareness within the biomedical community and the lack of commercially available stable-labeled research products specifically designed for this technology.  BioPAL is the first company to develop and provide in vivo diagnostic products based on NA technology as the readout system.  BioPAL provides the NA analysis as an out-source service, i.e., researchers send samples-of-interest to BioPAL.  Our assay service measures the concentration of labeled compounds in biological samples, such as tissue and blood.  Assay mechanics are based on a proprietary automated NA system.  In many cases, this technology provides information with improved sensitivity and specificity beyond that achieved by optical markers and traditional radioactive labels.